Columbiana County, Ohio Prosecutor's Office

06/12/2026

**GRAND JURY REPORT JUNE 2026**

05/25/2026

05/14/2026

***Grand Jury Report for April and May 2026***

05/08/2026

PURE GOLD EQUINE FACILITY CASE UPDATE

Prosecutor Vito J. Abruzzino announced today that Heather Birkmire, age 45, former operator of Pure Gold Stables and Equestrian Center in Salem Township, Ohio, has been charged with five counts of Cruelty to Animals and four counts of Improper Disposition of Dead or Destroyed Animals.

The charging process was particularly complex, as it required necropsies (animal autopsies) to determine the cause of death for the horses. This process was both costly and time-intensive, necessitating that detectives from the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office personally transport the remains to Michigan State University for examination.

In October 2025, the remains of four horses were discovered in a round pen on the Pure Gold property. The bodies were in varying stages of decomposition, with some covered by blankets and others confined in stalls. Necropsy results confirmed evidence of dehydration and starvation. The skeletal remains of a fifth horse were also recovered from a burn pit on the property.

Birkmire will be arraigned in Columbiana County Municipal Court.

Prosecutor Abruzzino expressed gratitude to the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office and its Detective Bureau, County Humane Agents, Animal Welfare Agents, and the staff of the Prosecutor’s Office for their hard work on this case.

04/24/2026

***COLUMBIANA MAN SENTENCED TO OVER 35 YEARS IN PRISON***

Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino announced today that Fredrick Harroff, 66, of Columbiana, was sentenced by Judge Scott Washam to 39 to 44 ½ years in prison for charges related to a June 2025 attack on his wife. Harroff was convicted of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Arson, Felonious Assault, Kidnapping, and Strangulation.

The attack occurred in the residence Harroff shared with his wife in Columbiana. Harroff hit his wife with a baseball bat, punched her, choked her, and bound her with a rope. She was eventually able to flee the residence. Harroff lit the residence on fire during the assault and later admitted to police that his intention was to kill his wife. The Columbiana Fire Department was able to extinguish the fire before it spread to neighboring residences.

The Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office credits the Columbiana Police Department and the Columbiana Fire Department in their quick responses in this matter, which resulted in the conviction and prevented further injury to persons and property. The State Fire Marshal’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

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04/14/2026

MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR POSSESSING CHILD PO*******HY

Prosecutor Vito Abruzzino announced today that John M. McFarland, 43, formerly of Lisbon, was sentenced to over 8 years in prison following convictions for thirteen counts of Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor and one count of Possessing Drug Paraphernalia.

In May of 2025, agents with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force executed a search warrant at McFarland’s residence in Lisbon and located a digital device that contained numerous videos depicting child sexual assault material. Agents also recovered a device commonly used for smoking methamphetamine. McFarland is now required to register as a Tier II sexual offender, wherein he must register with the county sheriff every 180 days for 25 years.

Prosecutors credited the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force for its investigation in this case. If you or someone you know has information regarding a crime committed in Columbiana County, call your local police department, if an emergency 911, or our anonymous tip-line at 330-420-1050.

03/13/2026

Prosecutor Vito J. Abruzzino announces the following case updates:

First, Mark Knight and Jan McHenry (pictured; photo credit: WFMJ via the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office) were indicted for multiple felonies, including r**e, gross sexual imposition, and sexual battery. There were minor victims involved, making their crimes especially heinous. The children have been removed from the home and the two remain in jail on a $100,000.00 cash/surety bond. They will be arraigned on April 2, 2026 at 1PM.

Their indictments are the result of a detailed investigation conducted by the City of Salem Ohio Police Department, Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services, the Child Advocacy Center, and the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Second, E'mory Chiles (pictured; photo credit: Columbiana County Sheriff's Office) - Chiles, 20, formerly of Wellsville, was sentenced to 6 to 8.5 years in prison for his involvement in a shooting that occurred in Wellsville on April 27, 2025. Through investigation, officers with the Wellsville Police Department determined Chiles shot a juvenile male in the hand following an argument. After the shooting, Chiles disposed of the firearm used in the shooting. He ultimately pled guilty to Felonious Assault, a Firearm Specification, and Tampering Evidence.

Prosecutors credited the Wellsville Police Department for their investigative efforts in this case for the result and conviction.

As always, if you have any information regarding these or other cases, our tip line can be reached at 330-420-1050. You may remain anonymous.

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03/06/2026

**MARCH 2026 GRAND JURY REPORT**

02/28/2026

More great work from the Columbia County drug task force, and our law-enforcement community.

On 2/27/26, Sheriff Brian McLaughlin and the Columbiana County Drug Task Force, along with units from Wellsville PD, East Liverpool PD and the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at 709 Riverside Ave in Wellsville. Units were also assisted by K-9 Diva (CCSO).

In the garage, Agents located Anthony Mascarella, a.k.a. “Duke”. A search of the immediate area found approximately 245g of methamphetamine, 140g of co***ne, and 22g of fentanyl. Agents also recovered $395 in cash on Duke’s person and recovered a 9mm handgun from the primary residence.

Mascarella was taken into custody by Ohio Adult Parole and is being held on parole violations while Agents await lab results for drug charges.

CCDTF would like to thank the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office, Columbiana County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem PD, East Liverpool PD, Lisbon PD, Columbiana PD, Liverpool Twp PD, Wellsville PD, and Ohio Adult Parole for their assistance in the investigation.

02/12/2026

GRAND JURY REPORT - FEB 2026